Putin gave an interview to the Chinese Xinhua news agency before his visit to China

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a written interview to the Xinhua news agency on the eve of his official visit to China. The text of the interview was published on the Kremlin's website on August 30.

During the conversation, Putin spoke about key areas of bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, strengthening the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), developing economic ties and jointly coordinating actions in the international arena. He also noted the role of Chinese President Xi Jinping in the development of relations between the two countries and called him "an example to the whole world."

"It is extremely important for China that such a person is at the helm of the state at a difficult, crucial moment in international life," the Russian president noted.

Putin also stressed the importance of the SCO as a platform of trust for the major Eurasian states, and stated the joint position of Moscow and Beijing on strengthening the Global South, reforming international financial institutions, and the need to ensure equal access for all countries. He pointed to the growth of trade and economic cooperation: the bilateral trade turnover between Russia and China has increased by more than $100 billion since 2021, and settlements have been almost completely transferred to national currencies.

"China is Russia's largest trading partner. Last year, Moscow became one of the five largest trading partners of Beijing. Russia retains its leadership in oil and gas supplies to China," Putin said.

SCO Summit 2025: the largest meeting of the organization will be held in China

The event will run from August 31 to September 1.

On August 29, Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced that during his visit to China, Putin would attend a meeting of heads of state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and meet with foreign leaders. The Russian leader will also attend a military parade in Beijing.

Putin will pay a four—day visit to China from August 31 to September 3. Large-scale negotiations are planned between the delegations of the two countries.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.